More than 5000 tree seedlings have been planted in Busia County during the countrywide launch of the long rain season tree planting exercise.
Speaking at the tree planting site at Siositeko wetlands in Samia Sub County on Friday, Busia County Forest Conservator Vitalis Osodo said that the seedling consisted of both indigenous and bamboo trees.
‘I’m glad to say that today we have planted 5,000 indigenous trees and 250 bamboo trees, totaling to 5250,’ he said.
Osodo added that the County needs to partner with other stakeholders in order to attain the 30% tree cover by the year 2032.
“Our projection as Busia County is that we will have planted 50,000 hectares by 2032 which translates to 27%,’he said, adding that the County’s tree cover currently stands at 8.3%.
He pointed out that a number of the local residents were planting trees but they did not report to the relevant offices for record keeping.
The Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia advised the local residents to begin planting trees on the hill tops to prevent soil erosion.
“The issue of climate change is not for Busia alone but it is a global one,” he said, adding that there should be concerted efforts in addressing it.
Macharia also challenged local residents to plant fruit trees and purchase tree seedlings instead of relying on Kenya Forest Services offices alone.
“Just sacrifice the little funds to purchase tree seedlings in order to increase tree cover,” he said, adding that duplication in reporting was a challenge.
The official at the same time cautioned those whose animals destroy already planted seedlings warning that they risked being arrested.
Macharia further urged politicians to refrain from politicising relief food and other items meant for flood victims.
He also urged parents to take good care of their children as schools re- open on Monday.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
